Getting married in Ibiza is a dream for many people, whether it be under the summer sun on a beach or in a luxury villa or hotel.
However, the logistics of organising a wedding can be stressful enough in your home country, never mind having to negotiate the rules and regulations of a foreign culture! Here we answer some of the most common questions relating to getting married in Spain.
A wedding planner can take away the stress of organising your big day in a different country - where geography, language, and logistics can all get in the way … with their help, your dream wedding will run so smoothly, you really will be able to relax and cherish every moment, safe in the knowledge that behind the scenes someone else has taken the stress out of putting together a flawless and memorable event.
Planning a wedding
Do I have to be a resident to be legally married in Spain?
Not necessarily, if you're Roman Catholic and looking to get married in a Catholic church then this is permitted. If you aren't Catholic, hold another faith or no faith at all, then it's better to get legally married in your home country, in a registry office and then have a non-legal ceremony or blessing in Spain. Civil wedding ceremonies may also be permitted, although this does change from region to region, so it's important to double check with the relevant authorities well in advance. To be eligible for resident status you must have lived in Spain for the last 2 years.
Best time of the year to get married
The best time to get married in Ibiza is between April and October when the light is good and the sun isn't necessarily as strong. Some parts of Spain get the sun 340 days a year, so you're almost guaranteed good weather. The most popular months are June & September and so it's worth planning a couple of years ahead if you're considering getting married in either of these two months!
Wedding ceremonies for non-residents
You can only have a religious ceremony if you are Roman Catholic and are going to be married in a Roman Catholic church.
Religious leaders from home conducting ceremonies
This is possible, but only if you're having a religious blessing after the official legal wedding has been declared. This is often a good idea when the two of you have different religions.
Symbolic wedding ceremonies
You can either have the symbolic ceremony first, and then return to your home country for the legal ceremony, or as most couples do, have the legal wedding first then celebrate in the sun for the blessing or symbolic ceremony.
Civil partnerships
Civil partnerships in Spain are fully legal and recognised around the world. You will need to register your marriage in the town hall or Justice of the peace, and then move on to your designated venue. There are lots of rules and regulations pertaining to civil marriages, and these can be quite different from region to region, so it's important to check this out well in advance of your dates with the local authorities, or speak to a wedding planner for advice.
Unique experiences to incorporate
Spain is so vast, with lots of coastal resorts, Islands and inland hills and mountains that the list is almost endless. Being near the sea is incredibly popular, so perhaps consider a beach venue or hiring a yacht to take you and your guests off into the sunset.. Picture arriving by helicopter, or getting married in a cliff-top venue over looking the sea, or in a vineyard estate where you could sample some of the region's renowned wines.
Wedding planners
To ensure your perfect day goes perfectly, we've sourced some of the best wedding service providers in Ibiza and Ibiza wedding venues, check them out here.
